Portland has been proven to be a town where lesser known leagues can thrive. Maybe not lacrosse, but WNBA would thrive here. There'd be plenty who would give a fuck.
I really doubt that their seasons over lap enough to make a difference. WNBA fans are not necessarily NBA fans, and Thorns fans are not necessarily WNBA fans.
I hope they do, but the last time they had a WNBA Team in Portland, the Portland Fire, they didn't thrive.
Fair. But I think the culture here has changed since they were in town. We all know Portland as a whole for better or worse has changed the last 5-7 years lol
The Portland Fire drew 8k fans per game. That would have been 2nd in the WNBA last season... That would be over $13 million in ticket sales alone, not including playoffs or preseason. Then the teams get about $2 million per season from ESPN (All Star Game and playoffs), which pretty much covers player salaries. Then there is the opportunity for a TV deal for regular season games. There is plenty of opportunity for success here in Portland.
The problem is that the WNBA season lines up with the time of year when no one in Portland wants to be indoors. The Thorns are a great way to spend an 85-degree Friday evening. Going into the Moda Center on such a night, pass.
This is why we need a new owner and a revitalized Rose Quarter. Could be a great place to hangout in the summertime if there was more to do.
